Review: The Midnight Chew by Sally Morgan

 The Midnight Chew is a rollicking tale about the kindness of sharing when there is more than enough for one.

"On a cold and blustery winter's night Skippy Gillespie crept out for a bite...."

illustrated by Karen Blair

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: October 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $24.99AU (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Join Skippy Gillespie and Boofa Boy Jones in this lively tale filled with humour, action and adventure.

Skippy sneaks out at night to find the bone he has buried at the local dump. He's been saving this bone for a late-night chew. He doesn't know that Boofa Boy is following him and he is bigger and stronger than Skippy. Boofa steals the bone and runs. What ensues is a race through the night but once back Boofa feels bad for stealing Skippy's bone and gives it back. In an act of kindness Skippy offers to share the bone. There is plenty for two.

Many children will relate to the plight of poor Skippy saving something precious only to have a bigger, stronger child take it. However this action-packed tale comes with a happy ending for everyone.

I loved the dark illustrations by Karen Blair. They perfectly portray the night time atmosphere with the street lights spotlighting small areas and the cats and rats out in the street watching the antics of the two dogs. There are so many small things, little gems on each page that you may not notice on a first reading. The frog in the pond and the little black cat who follows the dogs to the dump and all the way back. These little treasures add an extra dimension to this happy tale of enemies to friends, and the joy of sharing.

The Midnight Chew will have young children entranced as they wait to find out who will win the bone.

The fun rhyming prose roll off the tongue with ease which keeps the story moving along at a fast pace.

Award-winning First Nations author Sally Morgan and CBCA award-winning illustrator Karen Blair have created a playful, rhyming adventure that’s perfect for younger readers who love dogs.

For readers of Lynley Dodd and Julia Donaldson.

My rating 5 / 5 🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

Recommended age: 3 - 8 years 

#themidnightchew #kidsbookswelove #kidsbookswithdogs #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #aussieauthor #ausbookbloggers #justkidslit 

Review: Archie the Amazing Axolotl by Lana Johnson

 Archie the Amazing Axolotl is a gentle book about championing your differences. It's a book not only for children with busy brains but also the adults and children around them to help them understand and support each other.

illustrated by Katherine Richardson

Publisher: Busy Little Bee Books

Publication date: 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $24.95AU (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

Archie attends Wigglebottom School of Wonder but he's not like all the other sea creatures. He was always flipping, flapping and thinking big thoughts and that's what made him so amazing.

Archie the Amazing Axolotl is a book that celebrates neuro-diversity. Archie is never still, always fidgetty and thinking lots of different thoughts. Sometimes he wanted his brain to slow down.

I loved that Archie's mother explained to him that his super active brain was his super power but she also gave him strategies for when he was overwhelmed. His 'busy brain toolbox' is full of items to help him do his best thinking and harness his super brain. 

Archie the Amazing Axolotl is all about acceptance and support. The teacher explains to the class how some brains work slowly and some work fast, some like busy noise and some like calm. His classmates champion his quick thinking and instead of feeling too much Archie feels amazing.

Katherine Richardson's water colour sketches are showcased in soft and calm pastels giving busy brains a relaxing environment to follow on the page.

The use of anthropomorphism helps children to open up and discuss the topic in a non-threatening, slightly distanced way.

Sharing the book between children and caregivers provides ample opportunity for meaningful discussions on how everyone is unique and all have something important to give. 

Archie the Amazing Axolotl is a thoughtful and tender tale that encourages self confidence in children who may have been targeted for being different.

Lana Johnson has included notes for parents, caregivers and educators.

Questions for readers. More information on Archie. Activities and questions to discuss in a group. Quick tips to support busy brains.

Archie the Amazing Axolotl is a valuable resource for not only caregivers of a neuro-divergent child but also educators and anyone wanting to teach their neuro-typical child empathy and understanding of others.

My rating 5 / 5 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟

Recommended age: 3 - 10 years

#archietheamazingaxolotl #childrenspicturebook #earlylearning #ausbookbloggers #australianauthor #kidsbookswelove #littlesquirrelsbookshelf

Review: Vivi & Oki: What's That Sound? by Dominika Tomanek

 Vivi & Oki is a new series of board books by Dominika Tomanek created for the very youngest readers. The first book in the series is What's That Sound?

Illustrated by Anna Kalicinska

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 2025

Series: Vivi & Oki

Pages: 22

Format: Board book

Source: Courtesy of the author

Babies recognise sounds long before they develop the capacity to vocalise words.

All around us are the sounds of everyday life. As an adult it is easy to block out these background sounds however young minds are attuned to every noise.

My grandson will point to the sky when he hears a plane or say woof woof when a dog barks in the distance. Many times I don't notice these sounds until he brings them to my attention.

Dominika's board book champions these sounds and brings them to life in this gorgeous interactive book.

Follow Vivi and Oki as they go through a day of fun and sounds. From the beep of the alarm that wakes them in the morning, the splash of the waves at the beach, the swoosh of the swing at the park, the vroom of the vacuum cleaner to the flip of the pages of their bedtime book.

What's That Sound? is a wonderful read-aloud book with over 50 sounds for babies to listen to and repeat.

We absolutely love this book with its gorgeous illustrations of everyday family activities and all the sounds that surround us. Being available as a board book is such a bonus as little ones can flip through the pages and connect with the pictures.

Vivi & Oki: What's That Sound? is a book that will grow with your child and help create special moments together as your little one explores and learns new sounds.

My rating 5 / 5  👶👶👶👶👶

Recommended age: 6months - 3years

#viviandoki #boardbook #kidsbookswelove #picturebook #booksfortoddlers #earlylearning #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #ausbookbloggers

Mailbox Monday - 16th February 2026

 

MAILBOX MONDAY

On Mondays I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous week / month.

Book for review:

The Fast Lane by Pip Harrry

Published by Larrikin House available from 28th April 2026.

About the book:

Every day, in sunshine or showers,

Daisy swam precisely 100 laps at

her local pool.

When laidback Frank bombs into The Fast lane, speedy lapper Daisy is frustrated by his slow strokes. Will this fiercely competitive piggy find room in her heart (and her lane) for a dawdling frog?

A charming, fun picture book for kids with a competitive side.

My Spinning Anxious Brain by Dani Vee

Published by Larrikin House available from 31st March 2026

About the book:

My Spinning Anxious Brain celebrates the resilience and courage it takes to have anxiety.

A positive story that empowers kids to accept their brains, love who they are and normalise their feelings.

This beautiful picture book explores the challenges of experiencing anxiety while providing strategies to help keep kids calm.

Celebration Festival by Alysia Kelly

Published by Larrikin House on 28th January 2026

About the book:

Evie Loves Celebrating!

This year she's judging the grand Celebration Festival, with her cheeky pup, Biscuit (who does not like fireworks!).

With so many wonderful cultures to learn about and celebrations to discover, how will Evie choose a winner?

Join Evie on her Celebrations adventure as she learns Mandarin, plunges into freezing water and squelches tomatoes!

#thefastlane #myanxiousspinningbrain #celebrationfestival #aussieauthor #reviewbooks #newrelease #picturebooks #ausbookbloggers #bookmail #2026releases 

Review: Being Indy by Zoe Gaetjens

Being Indy is a story of community, acceptance and speaking up.

The concept behind this powerful story is to support and empower children to embrace their individuality and be their true selves.

illustrated by Estee Sarsfield

Publisher: Westwords

Publication date: October 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: $29.95AU (hardcover)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

The Mountain was a fine place and many people wanted to live there but to live on The Mountain new members had to assimilate and be like everyone else.

Percival was the ruler of The Mountain and he had strict rules. 

I loved Estee Sarfield's imagining of the Mountain community as a playgroup which children can easily relate to and imagine that they too would want to play in this playground. The playground community is shown in black and white and any differences in colour.

Indy loved colour but she also wanted to play on The Mountain so she changed herself to fit in with everyone else.

It isn't long before Indy learns that someone must stand up and show their true self and that someone is her. Soon others join her showing their colours.

Percival put his strict rules in place to stop any name calling, finger pointing and bickering but he soon sees that when everyone is allowed to show their differences the community still functions in harmony.

Being Indy is the perfect book for younger children to understand that even though people are different they can still play together in harmony. For older children it is a great opener for discussions on assimilation and acceptance.

Being Indy is a book for our times celebrating our differences rather than covering them up. Being Indy teaches children that it is okay to be yourself.

My rating 4 / 5 🛝🛝🛝🛝

Recommended age: 4+ years

#beingindy #childrenspicturebook #childrensbooksonacceptance

#booksonindividuality #ausbookbloggers #littlesquirrelsbookshelf

Review: A Friend for Hope by Amie White

 A Friend for Hope is a gentle story about new friendships.

illustrated by Olena Oprich

Publisher: Noctilune Publishing

Publication date: 17th July 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 47

Price: $15.39AU (paperback on AmazonAU)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

On first looking at the cover and title you might think that the little girl's name is Hope and she has a dog as a new friend. However on reading the story Zoe is the new friend for Hope the dog. I found this a bit confusing as Hope being in the title of the book you would think she was the main character. 

Zoe is an only child and homeschooled. Her mind often wanders away from her studies as she looks out the window at the other children playing outside.

Her parents realise Zoe may be lonely and as a surprise take her to the animal shelter to choose a dog as a friend.

All the dogs are jumping around and barking but Zoe picks an older dog who is sitting quietly in her kennel. Zoe feels a connection with this dog because she is quiet just like Zoe.

At first Hope didn't move from her corner but Zoe patiently sat by her quietly reading books until Hope felt ready to join her in outside activities.

Olena Oprich's large and bright illustrations are bold and expressive. The facial expressions on the characters tell a story all of their own. I feel like some of the pictures were just too large and close up, like you had to hold the book away.

Amie White has written an engaging story of patience, friendship and a quiet bonding experience through reading.

A Friend for Hope would be an excellent book for a family thinking of adopting a dog from a shelter. Teaching children to be patient while the dog adapts to it's new surroundings.

While younger children accepted the story as is, older children questioned why Zoe wasn't allowed to play with the other children. There was no mention in the story of being new to the area or that she was shy. Another question was why were the children playing outside her window on a school day. 

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

Recommended age: 3 - 6 years

#afriendforhope #childrenspicturebook #ausbookbloggers #animalrescue #animaladoption #friendship

Review: The Deadly Diamond by Mark Greenwood

 The Deadly Diamond is the fourth book in Mark Greenwood's history hunter series.

Each book in the series delves into an historical mystery that has been left with question marks hanging over the case.

Other books in this series:

The Dragon's Treasure

The Vanishing

The Wonder Horse

" Every year, millions of visitors from across the world visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. They come to gaze upon the world's most notorious diamond. The Hope Diamond is a miracle of nature."

The Deadly Diamond harks back to ancient times. It's 1668 and a blue diamond said to be the all-seeing eye of the temple god is stolen. The Brahmin priests cast a curse forevermore on any mortal who possessed the idol's eye.

The story follows the deadly history of the blue diamond as it has been stolen, sold and resold by thieves, commoners, kings and queens. Cut and reshaped again and again. Some say the curse is real.

Mark Greenwood separates myth from fact in this fascinating investigation into the Hope Diamond's remarkable history. Could the Hope Diamond be the same diamond stolen from the idol's eye centuries ago?

Did the owners of the exquisite blue diamond meet untimely deaths or were they just coincidences that happened to make for captivating newspaper reporting at the time? Mark Greenwood cuts through the sensationalism to deliver the facts.

The story is wonderfully written with the inclusion of photos and sketches to ignite curiosity and inspire discovery.

The Deadly Diamond is a fascinating story that is sure to have readers searching for more information on The Hope Diamond and the people who had it in their possession.

I would have liked more information on the ancient mines and the mining process.

My rating 4 / 5 🔷🔷🔷🔷

Recommended age: 8 - 12 years

Teaching activities and notes can be found at Fremantle Press

https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/the-deadly-diamond/

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 3rd June 2025

Series: History Hunter

Genre: Middle Grade / Non Fiction

Pages: 112

RRP: $14.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher